A quick word this morning on how we understand the mystery of carrying out God’s will…
Nehemiah is convinced that he is God’s chosen instrument to see the wall around Jerusalem rebuilt. The city cannot flourish or have it’s own identity until the wall goes up, making it possible for the leaders there to expel tradesmen and residents who don’t follow Jewish law. The wall defines who is “accepted” and who is simply “visiting for the day”. Without the wall, that understanding isn’t as clear. Tobiah and Sanballat, and several others have taken advantage of that gray area, and have taken it upon themselves to try and govern the Jews…even though they have no right to.
I notice that the opposition takes several familiar forms: first there is the attempt to delay “come and talk with us”. Then, there is the “bad report” that plays on fear “rumor is, that you are trying to become king”. Ironically, these same tactics are used today. Those opposed to the development will begin to cast dispersions and make innuendos about the leaders “they want to take control” or “they want to do everything themselves”, “we need to have a meeting”… I’m not saying that meetings are bad (even though I don’t care much for them), but there is a group of people out there that are opposed to what God wants to do who will use innocent things like meetings and relationships to prey on the fear of others and shut down the project. A third tactic is the false prophet: there were at least two, and I think the one lady might have been of Jewish origin, although I don’t see her name on the list of returning exiles. The point is: just because God wants something to happen doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. There were death threats made against Nehemiah, and the whole city was standing guard against the threat of war. Remember, just 2 months earlier everyone was getting along fine, because Nehemiah hadn’t “rocked the boat” yet. I’m sure there were residents who wished he had never showed up.
I wonder why some families are listed as “families” but others are called “people of” and “citizens of..”? Had these folks forgotten what families they were part of, or had their identity become more developed around the community than the nuclear family?
I see that the Urim and Thummim are back, which probably means the ephod and breastplate were also returned. I wonder if these were original, or they had to be remanufactured. (these were the two “dice” that the high priest cast to determine God’s will. He carried them with him in a special vest.)
I am also intrigued by the large amount of gold, silver, clothing and animals the people return with. I note once again that spending time in exile has been very profitable for some of them. So much so, that many chose not to leave. I think I remember somewhere in a previous reading that God told the people while they were still in Jerusalem not to resist Nebuchadnezzar, and that He (God) would take care of them while they were in exile. The people didn’t obey, and resisted…and many died. God, however was true to His Word and has watched over the people while they were being punished. I don’t mean to make light of their punishment, it certainly was harsh, but God has clearly taken care of them while they were away.
Even when the Lord has to discipline us, He can be trusted to be good. God is always good, and always has our best interests at heart. We cannot be trusted to do what is right…but God always can!
Faithfully,
PR